Brownstone Trail
Brownstone Trail
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- Madge H10 contributionsWait until Brownstone Trail is fully reopened/restored.The Brownstone Trail part that was open near Bayfield wasn’t worth the time and not especially picturesque. Big disappointment. Detour wasn’t clearly marked so wandered a bit. Eventually bailed and headed over to the Gil Larsen Nature/Iron Bridge/Big Ravine trails on other end of town and they were wonderful! Highly recommend. I went meandering in a forested area alongside a brook which I crossed many times. Lovely. No bugs either.Traveled soloWritten August 28, 2022
- MadisonGrogMadison, Wisconsin350 contributionsPartially closed. From downtown only goes to Seagull motel.Not sure what the fuss is about this. From downtown it only goes to Seagull Bay motel and then is blocked. The lake views are nothing special. For a lovely walk, go down to Washburn and take the lake trail there. MUCH better!Written August 7, 2022
- M-F_TrackersPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania449 contributionsNice quiet walkThis is a well maintained trail except for 0.5 mile section closed by a landslide. You need to walk out on Rt. 23. Wild flowers just starting to bloom. Peak through the trees and view at lake and boats. We walked at 6PM and saw no one.Written June 12, 2021
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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52 reviews
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1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
Used to be a very nice trail but closed because they won’t fix the wash out from a storm years ago. I think property owners don’t want it fixed. They have detours going on the Highway. Don’t waste your time on this trail lots more that are better!
Written October 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
zombienic
Minnesota1,255 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We stayed at Seagull Bay so we used this Trail to go into town every day. It was much nicer than taking the streets which we did one time. No hills on The Brownstone Trail haha! It is still closed right when you get below the motel. So we didn't go the opposite direction. But it was convenient (and shaded!) for what we needed it for. No pretty views, just an easier no traffic way to the shops and restaurants.
Written June 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
volkswagendriver
Oshkosh, WI220 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
Anyone can hike this trail, it's an old railroad line so the grade is very flat and you get peek a boo views of the lake thru the trees. We stay at the Seagull Bay Motel so this is an easy way for us to walk to and from town.
Written June 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lynn8894
Charlotte, NC108 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
You have to love a community that has the drive and foresight to create public access to a magnificent lakefront trail. This trail wends along the shore, and then into the woods where generous homeowners have given permission for the trail to run through their neighborhoods. It begins in downtown Bayfield, a gem of a little town.
Written October 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anita W
Tulsa, OK195 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
We thoroughly enjoyed our walk down the well-maintained trail, looking at wildflowers and peeking through the trees to see Lake Superior. Public directions to the trail led us to driveways and docks, howeverer. Here’s the deal, in town, the trail begins on the southwest corner of South Third Street and Wilson Ave. There’s a government office just east on Wilson. There’s a gazebo marking the entrance to the trail. Before or after your walk, go across Wilson to a lovely garden planted around ships and canoes—charming.
Written September 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andy M
53 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
It is very cool that some private owners allow this trail to pass along their properties, because it would be a shame to not have it available. The walk overlooks the Bay at many points, but one of the most interesting things is to see the amazing homes and cottages along the way. Much of the walk is shaded by fairly dense trees, and it is mostly hard surface and gravel. We had some difficultly locating the southern end of the trail, butte northern end was easy to find. There is some signage where the trail makes transitions that really helps you know where to go. Very clean - we did not see any litter at all!
Written August 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BearManNorth
Ely, MN66 contributions
Jul 2018
My Gal and I stayed at the Seagull Bay Motel, and walked this easy trail into downtown Bayfield and back twice. There is a path leading to it directly from the motel. It was a pleasant 10-15 minute walk, eliminating the need to drive the car to town. It is light gravel, but smooth.
Written August 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ILNan
Hampshire, IL32 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
I enjoyed the trail, but had no idea where I was until I arrived at an area I could see the lake from. I would have enjoyed it more if there were signs posted showing where the trail was headed (to Bayfield, or a beach, or the gorge) and how far (2 miles to bayfield, .5 miles to Bayfield, etc.). I wanted to walk to Bayfield, but we didn't have much time, and I was unable to tell how far we were so we went back to our cabin.
Written July 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
charleshaycock
Bayfield, WI130 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
We love walking the trail all times of the year, even winter time. It is easy, and accessible to wheelchair people.
Written March 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beth P
Iron River, WI112 contributions
Nov 2015 • Friends
This trail runs along Lake Superior. The plus side is it is definitely stroller friendly. It is well maintained and provides you some great views of Lake Superior. But, it runs between homes and the lake so in terms of scenery, it isn't spectacular. In some cases you feel you are walking through folks' backyards... in part because you are. The bridge on the trail is amazing... sits next to one of the most gorgeous homes I've ever seen. But again, you feel you are almost invading someone's privacy on this trail/it runs right through their backyard. That said, great trail for you and your fam to stretch legs, take in a few views and be on your way. Not strenuous... just a nice walk along the lake.
Written December 31, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lisa V
Appleton, WI22 contributions
Are you allowed to bike on the Brownstone Trail? We are looking to use our mountain bikes as much as possible when we stay at Bayfield Inn in August this summer.
EdsOpinions
Madison, WI32 contributions
Yes.
ColletteC99
Grass Valley, CA27 contributions
Is there a place within walking distance from ferry to rent bicycles or scooters?
CVspiker
Iowa55 contributions
When we spent a week in Bayfield (end of June), we didn't really look for bicycles to rent, but we did come across a small shop on Manypenny Avenue that daily brought bicycles outside and lined up for rental and service. Didn't stop and really check to see what the pricing was for rental. The shop was right next to a restaurant that we ate at twice (Maggies) that was a good restaurant (especially the fresh white fish - if you like seafood). We took the Brownstone trail from our motel and it was literally 5 - 10 minutes to Maggies & that bike shop. From the bike shop, probably 10-15 minute walk to the ferry area. Everything is really within walking distance around the Bayfield waterfront and the couple of marinas/harbors. At nite, it was really nice walking from town back to the motel with a full moon coming off lake superior. If you are planning on visiting that area, I would recommend it. We went on a sunset sail, went to the sea caves by water and hiked, took the water tour around all the islands.
We didn't take the ferry to Madeline island, but I know you can rent bikes, mopeds on the island as well. I believe it is like a 15-20 minute ferry ride and runs pretty continuous from 7 - ??? probably at this point in the summer.
Brownstone Trail (Bayfield) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Brownstone Trail
- Hotels near Brownstone Trail:
- (0.03 mi) Cooper Hill House
- (0.03 mi) Upscale Vacation Stay in Bayfield
- (0.04 mi) Grey Oak Guest House
- (0.05 mi) Lucy's Place Bed and Breakfast
- (0.22 mi) Old Rittenhouse Inn
- Restaurants near Brownstone Trail:
- (0.25 mi) The Copper Trout
- (0.21 mi) Landmark Restaurant at Old Rittenhouse Inn
- (0.32 mi) Manypenny Bistro
- (0.42 mi) The Bayfield Inn Restaurant
- (0.45 mi) Pier Plaza Restaurant & Pickled Herring Lounge